Martial law or another revolution? This weekend, for the first
time in the USA's 230-year history, progressed Mars will turn retrograde.
(“A day for a year” is how secondary progressions work, e.g., 230
days after our July 4, 1776, birthday, Mars stopped moving forward and flipped
into reverse.) That's the direction it'll be heading for the next
80 years. That this astrological event takes place at 18 Libra, which is Bush's
natal Jupiter (what, me worry?), adds another dimension to what is already a scary
scenario. Let's hope that the favorable trine progressed Mars in Libra makes
to its original spot in the USA chart at 21 Gemini (in our seventh house of allies
and adversaries) will soften whatever blow we're in for. As luck would have
it, a very lucky Venus-Jupiter trine occurs this week as well.

Aries

So much for the fun-and-games portion of the summer. On Saturday, your Mars ruler
moves out of entertainment-oriented Leo and enters detail-driven Virgo for seven
weeks of crossing T's and dotting I's. However, because Mercury is
retrograde until the 28th, take your time checking facts and figures. Don't
sign off until you absolutely must. Solar Leo also begins on Saturday, followed
by the Leo new moon Monday night. For many Rams, such friendly fire-sign energy
could offer an opportunity to infuse warmth and humor into a relationship with
a relative.

Taurus

Pay attention. Your Venus ruler in early Cancer is probably still transiting your
area of assets and income. The favorable trine it forms with prosperous, generous
Jupiter in Scorpio, the sign of your significant others, is a one-shot deal. Jupiter
moves on to Sagittarius in late November, but Venus can move out of your money
house any day now. So be sure to take advantage of the benefits you're afforded
when Venus, the “lesser,” and Jupiter, the “greater” benefic,
align on the 26th – give or take a few days before or after.

Gemini

Since the cheery Leo new moon occurs early enough in that heartfelt sign (2 degrees),
there's a good chance that the blessed event takes place in your second
house, your money house. So spend a moment Monday night contemplating all the
good you could do if, like Midas, you perfected your golden touch. Meanwhile,
as Mercury's retrogression winds down, it wouldn't hurt to consider
what you'll rectify once your ruling planet turns direct on the 28th. Just
remember that the days just before and after Mercury's flip are when you're
most likely to feel distracted and disoriented.

Cancer

Even after the sun moves on to Leo, magnetic Venus in your sign will ensure that
you still receive more than your fair share of attention, perhaps adoration as
well. Plus, Mercury in the last third of Cancer will continue to tell you things
you may or may not need to know. Although retrograde Mercury turns direct on the
28th, it stays in your sign until August 10, which is two days before Venus leaves
Cancer. So you're covered for a few more weeks, and possibly blessed while
loving Venus and protective Jupiter trine on the 26th. Ask for the moon.

Leo

Happy birthday to the frisky felines celebrating this week. Not only do you receive
a valuable gift – your life-sustaining sun ruler shining on your very own
sign – but you and the rest of the pride get rid of macho, sometimes malevolent,
Mars. Since the God of Discord doesn't enter Virgo until Saturday, try to
be extra nice until then. However, there is an upside to having Mars in your Virgo
money house. If you need a stronger killer instinct to attain a financial objective,
from now until Labor Day would be the time.

Virgo

The Lion's loss could be the Virgin's gain. Only once every two years
do you become infused with the abundance of physical energy and ambition that
Mars brings to your sign. You might have to wait until your Mercury ruler turns
direct on the 28th before taking action, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't
use the week intervening to make plans. Or appointments. Mars rules all sorts
of surgical procedures, from dental implants to tummy tucks. Incidentally, Virgos
born in mid-September could benefit from a supportive woman or a good-natured
artist in your field.

Libra

The Leo new moon on Monday can refuel a career matter that may have stalled when
Mercury went retrograde at the end of June. Look for similarities, such as a call
from someone you were in touch with then. Because your amiable Venus ruler is
about to magnify the benefits you've been receiving from having lucky Jupiter
in your Scorpio money house, feel free to assume that a financial bonanza is on
the way. Even if the funds don't arrive until November, you won't
be disappointed. Something just as fortuitous could happen now instead.

Scorpio

Two things to keep in mind. On Saturday, Mars, your co-ruling planet, leaves showy
Leo for a tour of duty in service-oriented Virgo. Prepare to apply yourself with
diligence and devotion for the next seven weeks. On the other hand, without any
effort on your part, Jupiter in your sign is attracting affection and goodies
from Venus in Cancer. And while the emotionally fulfilling grand water trine is
not perfect yet, next weekend, when Venus trines innovative Uranus in your Pisces
house of romance, it will be.

Sagittarius

Once again, Sag and Scorpio are on the same page. As long as your Jupiter ruler
is transiting your neighbor's sign, it won't be difficult to maintain
the affinity you feel for each other. Especially this week, while agreeable, amiable
Venus is rewarding the jolly giant with her considerable favors. Cancer, Libra
and Taurus, even an uncommitted Pisces, could join in this group hug, so if there's
a people-pleasing event scheduled for midweek, try to make it. You never know
who'll show up when Mercury is retrograde.

Capricorn

Even though the sun leaves your Cancer marriage house this weekend, because it
occurs so early in the sign, the Leo new moon Monday night could reinvigorate
an existing partnership or initiate a new alliance. Besides, with loving Venus
in Cancer, there should be plenty of romantic interaction and other goodies. Plus,
while Venus trines generous Jupiter midweek, more money and mazel. So cheer up.
Mercury will soon go direct, and the youngsters you're worried about will
smarten up soon enough. Probably when school starts.

Aquarius

If there's a summer romance waiting in the wings, this is the week for its
debut. Or maybe you'll receive great reviews for a stunning performance
on stage, screen or playing field. Whatever. While popular Venus in your creativity-and-love
zone allies with fortunate Jupiter in your midheaven, where your reputation is
made, good things are bound to follow. Expensive things as well. The Leo new moon
in the sign of your significant others can make the self-involved act like they're
more significant than they were last week.

Pisces

Although Fish are not directly involved, you too may benefit from the positive
feelings and material rewards generated by the favorable water-sign trine between
lucky Venus in Cancer and even luckier Jupiter in Scorpio. Particularly if your
birthday is Leap Year Day. However, all you romantic souls can take heart because
the creative Leo new moon Monday night inaugurates a new cycle of love and light,
be it through work, service or simply hanging out. But you may have to be patient
a bit longer, say until Venus trines Uranus in Pisces next weekend.

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